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New Research Shows WAVE Works
An independent study by Michael Ben-Avie, PhD of Yale University and the Impact Analysis Group reveals that WAVE students make significant developmental gains, such as:
- Increased social and emotional competence
- Increased academic perseverance.
- Increased orientation towards the future
- Increased positive connections toward adults and school
Read the details in the full report.
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WAVE Student Receives National Scholarship as OLAS Thrives
Elvira Vargas, a senior at Bell Multicultural High School in Washington, DC, won a competitive college scholarship from the NFIB Young Entrepreneurs Foundation.
Like Elvira, 75 other immigrant students in middle school and high
school are gaining new skills and relationships that result in success
in school, thanks to a WAVE program called Opportunities for Leadership, Achievement & Success (OLAS).
“OLAS, means ‘waves’ in Spanish." says Program Facilitator Mayra Vasquez. "It's
different because students learn to express their own viewpoints and
guide their learning. They take initiative and build a sense of
accountability.”
Parents
applaud the strong sense of community and engagement they see as a
result of the year-round community service, job readiness training and
leadership development. “Now, [my daughter] wants to keep getting A’s," says one parent. "Even B’s make her unhappy. She’s told me that she wants to be the best she can.”
Ms. Vasquez is leaving in August to complete her Master’s Degree in
Social Work. Mayra has been a tremendous role model for each young
person and we wish her the best in her future endeavors. |
Postcards from a WAVE Grad
My
name is Janice Woodside and I am a graduate of New Orleans WAVE. I came
to WAVE a young single mother and a school dropout with low
self-esteem. For me, dropping out of high school was not a sudden act;
but a gradual process of detachment from the formal academic setting.
At the time, school and education were simply not priorities in my
life.
At WAVE, I realized for the
first time that my future was not set in stone. I earned my GED and
began to explore career options and higher education. When I was a part
of the National Leadership Team and Board of Directors, my ideas were
heard and implemented by the organization. For me, this was a
validation and a reflection of the fact that my ideas and opinions were
valuable.
Today, I am a college graduate and I will soon receive my Masters
degree from Tulane. I hope to work with young women to help them
break down barriers, realize their potential, and find success. I am so
thankful for the availability of the WAVE program. Without the guidance of WAVE staff, mentors, and peers, there is no telling where I would be today."
Congratulations, Janice, on your success!
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Local Companies Make Sure WAVE Students are Reaching Dreams
On June 12th the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) hosted the first annual Reaching Dreams Benefit, raising $160,000 for Capital Area WAVE- Reach.
Diana
Cantor, Dominoes, Wal-mart, and the American Forest & Paper
Association treated supporters to a great celebration as students
recited original poetry, announced career goals, and shared
life-changing experiences. WAVE thanks the stellar
volunteer team led by Susan Hirschmann of Williams & Jensen and
Rosemary Becchi of The ERISA Industry Committee. To get involved,
contact Deborah Stine.
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10th Annual WAVE Education Golf Classic
WAVE's most popular event will be held on October 15, 2007 at the Stonewall Golf Club in Gainesville, VA.
Major
sponsors include Xcel Energy, Capital One, WTOP Radio, General
Dynamics, Institute for Education, New York Life, Northeast Utilities,
American Airlines, Koch Industries, Pepco, Constellation Energy,
Prudential, Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, National Beer
Wholesalers Association, Eastman Kodak Company, and many other
outstanding corporate citizens that support WAVE’s work.
Find out more about the event.
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In This Issue - July 2007
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New WAVE Programs
WAVE is growing! These new WAVE programs are opening this year:
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Memphis -- WAVE Ninth Grade Academy at White Station High School
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Brooklyn -- WAVE at the Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service
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The Bronx -- WAVE at Riverdale Mental Health Association
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Newark -- Multiple WAVE sites through Communities in Schools of New Jersey
Visit WAVE's web site for more.
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Zinch
can help students who might otherwise get lost in the college
admissions process. Admissions counselors can seek out students
based on their unique abilities, and students can apply for
scholarships and begin their college search well in advance.
Visit Zinch.com.
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WAVE needs motivated and caring individuals to join the team. Click here to find out more.
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Want to help a young person succeed in school, work, and life? WAVE can help. Our
38 year track record, training, curriculum, program
strategies, and nation-wide network have helped our partners change the
lives of 550,000 youth. Contact us. |
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Your
contributions help us steer young people toward positive opportunities
and success in the world of work, school, and life. Please
consider helping us further our mission. Donate today! |
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